The Cleveland Browns will sign free agent linebacker Mychal Kendricks. The former Philadelphia Eagles player will challenge for a starting job in a suddenly stout Browns linebacking corps. The return of a healthy Jamie Collins Sr. combined with signing Kendricks make for a formidable group. Returning starter Joe Schobert was a Pro-Bowler in 2017-18 at middle linebacker.
Mychal Kendricks Signing With Cleveland Browns
Kendricks played his college ball at the University of California, Berkeley. The linebacker spent four years with the program before moving onto the Eagles, who selected him with the 46th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
A second-round pick, Kendricks saw action right away with the Eagles. The linebacker played in 15 games during his rookie season and finished with 75 total tackles and nine passes defended. The nine passes defended remain the most in a single season for Kendricks, ahead of six passes defended in 2017.
Following three productive seasons from 2013-15 things got a bit rocky in Philadelphia. Kendricks saw his playing time cut significantly and ultimately requested a trade last summer. The Eagles denied his trade request, which turned out to pay off as linebacker Jordan Hicks missed significant time in 2017 with an Achilles injury. Kendricks saw his playing time bump back up and he enjoyed a nice bounce-back season, helping the Eagles finish as Super Bowl champions.
The seventh-year pro will add real versatility to an already solid Browns linebacker corps. With a strong ability to play both the run and the pass, Kendricks provides defensive coordinator Gregg Williams with another way to get creative with his aggressive scheme style.
Kendricks also brings championship experience to a young roster, particularly on defense. Only 28, the Cal product can act as a mentor for young defensive talents such as Myles Garrett while also having some productive years left in him as a contributing player.
